Journal Your Story
From The Pen's Nib: Edition 69
Topic: Journaling Inspiration
Recently, I was listening to author Gretchen Rubin’s podcast Happiness. It was a replay of her interview on NPR’s podcast Life Kit. In the interview, she stated that keeping a gratitude journal did not work for her.
What?!
That’s right. My life-changing strategy didn’t work for Gretchen Rubin.
As I’ve written, what works for one in journaling won’t work for all, however, it can.
That sounds like I contradicted myself. Let me explain.
I’ve been watching Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. During an episode in Season 2, one of the characters explains that the murderer is a storyteller, and they are composing a scene.
Aren’t we all storytellers? You may not intentionally compose the scenes of your day, although you could. (Hopefully, your scenes do not involve murders or other crimes.) But reflecting on your story helps you see the connections and missing pieces.
Putting your story on paper is the key to learn who you are. Self-knowledge leads to a better you.
Journaling is your opportunity to compose chosen scenes of your story and learn about yourself.
I write about myself and others in my life. Sometimes I try to include as many details as possible because I want to remember a moment. I contemplate ideas for my newsletters in which I love to include stories. They are stories I find illuminating in some way. They are scenes I find inspiring.
I also keep a health tracker and food diary. I am working towards a healthier me. I can see the data that reflects my measurements, weight, and strength. Isn’t this another form of journaling? Aren’t I composing the story of my health journey? Seeing my progress towards my goals is inspiring!
You may not be inspired by tracking your health data. You may find it tedious and discouraging. Gretchen Rubin was not inspired by gratitude. She was irritated by what she wrote.
Ask yourself, what story do you want to tell? You are the storyteller. You pick the scenes.
Journaling is writing a story for yourself. It may be about gratitude, goals, joy, exercise, problem-solving, or daily events. Choose to write the story that inspires you to be the best you. Write it how you want to write it.
What better way to increase your self-knowledge than to write your story, looking for the bits and pieces that lead to discoveries and inspirations?
Find what works for you. Tell the story you want to tell.
Takeaways:
Journaling is for the storyteller in all of us.
Choose the scenes you want to complete and look for connections and missing pieces.
Putting your story on paper through journaling is the key to gaining self-knowledge.
If you journal, try this prompt:
If I could only tell one story from my life, what would it be? What did this story teach me about myself?
What aspect of your life do you find most inspiring to write about? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment, and let’s start a conversation.
Thank you for reading. Keep on writing!
Until next time,
✍️ Susan
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📸I love adding visual interest to my journal. The same is true for my newsletters. Each week will feature a picture I have taken corresponding with the month the edition is published, unless otherwise noted. I’ve taken daily pictures since 2020. I have many to share!
📰From The Pen’s Nib is my second newsletter. My first, Take Pen to Paper, is about gratitude and the good in life. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. It may be for you.